Photon modulation management system for stimulation of a desired response in birds

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein provide systems for stimulating a desired response, such as ovulation and egg laying, hunger, growth, mood and sexual maturity in birds, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail and ostrich, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to a bird, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the bird and duty cycle, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the bird.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/083,779, as filed on Nov. 24, 2014, the entire contents areherein incorporated by reference for all the application teaches anddiscloses.

The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the inventions described herein. Other limitations ofthe related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon areading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system forstimulating a desired response in a bird comprising at least one photonemitter in communication with at least one photon emission modulationcontroller; wherein said at least one photon emitter is configured toemit at least one first photon pulse, wherein said at least one firstphoton pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle;wherein said duration of said at least one first photon pulse is between0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds and wherein the duration of thedelay between said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24hours; wherein said duty cycle of said first photon pulse is between0.01% and 90% of constant emission of said at least one photon emitter;wherein said at least one photon emitter is configured to emit at leastone additional photon pulse, wherein said at least one additional photonpulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle, whereinsaid duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said atleast one additional photon pulse is different from the said duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one firstphoton pulse; wherein said at least one photon emission modulationcontroller controls said emission of photons from said photon emitter;wherein said duration of said at least one additional photon pulse isbetween 0.01 microseconds and 5000 milliseconds and wherein the durationof the delay between said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and24 hours; wherein said duty cycle of said first photon pulse is between0.01% and 90% constant emission of said at least one photon emitter; andwherein said at least one first photon pulse and said at least oneadditional photon pulse induce a desired response in said bird.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method forinducing a desired response in a bird wherein said method comprisesproviding at least one photon emitter; providing at least one photonemission modulation controller in communication with said at least onephoton emitter; communicating a command from said at least one photonemission modulation controller to said at least one photon emitter;emitting at least one first photon pulse from said at least one photonemitter toward said bird, wherein said at least one first photon pulsehas a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein saidduration of said at least one first photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 5000 milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delaybetween said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours;wherein said duty cycle of said first photon pulse is between 0.01% and90% of constant emission of said at least one photon emitter; andemitting at least one additional photon pulse from said at least onephoton emitter toward said bird, wherein said at least one additionalphoton pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle;wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of saidat least one additional photon pulse is different from the saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5000milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delay between said photonpulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said duty cycleof said additional photon pulse is between 0.01% and 90% of constantemission of said at least one photon emitter and wherein a desiredresponse is produced in the bird.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for inducingor stimulating a desired response in a bird comprising at least onephoton emitter in communication with at least one photon emissionmodulation controller; wherein said at least one photon emitter isconfigured to emit at least one first photon pulse, wherein said atleast one first photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle; wherein said duration of said at least one first photonpulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 25000 microseconds and whereinthe duration of the delay between said photon pulses is between 0.1microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said at least one photon emitter isconfigured to emit at least one additional photon pulse, wherein said atleast one additional photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse is differentfrom the said duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle ofsaid at least one first photon pulse; wherein said at least one photonemission modulation controller controls said emission of photons fromsaid photon emitter; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 25000microseconds and wherein the duration of the delay between said photonpulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; and wherein said atleast one first photon pulse and said at least one additional photonpulse induces or stimulates a desired response in said bird.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method forinducing a desired response in a bird wherein said method comprisesproviding at least one photon emitter; providing at least one photonemission modulation controller in communication with said at least onephoton emitter; communicating a command from said at least one photonemission modulation controller to said at least one photon emitter;emitting at least one first photon pulse from said at least one photonemitter toward said bird, wherein said at least one first photon pulsehas a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein saidduration of said at least one first photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 25000 microsecond and wherein the duration of the delaybetween said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; andemitting at least one additional photon pulse from said at least onephoton emitter toward said bird, wherein said at least one additionalphoton pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle;wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of saidat least one additional photon pulse is different from the saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 25000microseconds and wherein the duration of the delay between said photonpulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; and wherein a desiredresponse is induced in the bird.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive,example embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodimentsand figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative ratherthan limiting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a photon modulation growthsystem for stimulation of egg production.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an individual color photonmodulation growth system pulsing different specific wavelengths of lightto induce egg production.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a photon emission modulation controller incommunication with a plurality of photon emitters with sample LEDarrays.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing photon emission modulation through amaster/slave LED array.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a master logic controller in communicationand control of a series of photon emitters.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a photon modulation management system incommunication with a series of bird sensors.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sample LED array in communication withvarious SSRs (Solid State Relays) or FETS.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a method of photon modulation for thestimulation of a desired response in a bird through pulsing of variouswavelengths.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a method of stimulation of a desiredresponse in a bird through the use of bird sensors.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example the duration of a far-red photonpulse versus the duration of the delay between photon pulses for thecontrolled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example the duration of a blue spectrumphoton pulse versus the duration of the delay between photon pulses forthe stimulation of a specific behavior such hunger or calming of thebird.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of three colorspectrums.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of two colorspectrums, far-red and green.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of two colorspectrums, blue and green.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatuses andmethods for inducing a desired response in egg laying invertebrates,such as birds, including but not limited to, chickens, turkey, ostrich,duck or other birds, where the desired response includes but is notlimited to ovulation, hunger, egg production, growth, sexual maturity,including but not limited to by creating electro-magnetic wave emissionpulses (photons) of individual color spectrums in sufficient intensityto drive photochemical in a bird to stimulate egg production, using acharacteristic frequency or pattern to minimize the required input powernecessary to stimulate, while also allowing for the monitoring of thepower consumption and other variables of the system. As will bediscussed in further detail, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelengthband and frequency of photon bursts to a bird, such as stimulation ofegg production can not only be influenced by a human, but ovulation andegg production rates, size and quality, hunger, growth and mood can becontrolled through the cycling between blue, green, yellow, near-red,far-red, infrared and ultra violet photon modulation.

Specifically by combining multiple wavelengths of photons at specificcombination of rates, photochemical response by the birds can beoptimized and controlled in order to stimulate egg production,development of pullets (young chickens) and poulets (young turkeys) andthe finishing of birds or boilers (birds for meat).

The embodiments of the present disclosure induce a desired response in abird, such, hunger, sexual maturity, calming or production of eggs at afaster rate than traditional grow light systems using in egg laying orproduction. Each light “recipe” (combination of color frequencies,modulation cycles, duty cycles, and durations) can be optimized for eachdesired response to each species of bird.

An additional example embodiment to the methods, systems and apparatusesdescribed herein may include less heat creation: LED lightingintrinsically creates less heat than conventional grow lights. When LEDlights are used in a dosing application, they are on less than they areoff. This creates an environment with nominal heat production from theLED lights. This is not only beneficial in terms of not having to useenergy to evacuate the heat from the system, but is beneficial to thebird because lighting may also be used to reduce animal stress or calmthe animal.

For many types of birds, egg production based on a day/night cycle,where longer day lengths induce increased egg production. As winterapproaches egg laying decreases with many if not most species of bird.To combat the decrease in egg production, artificial light is often usedin egg laying facilities to recreate or mimic a longer day length asopposed to night. Artificial light is often used throughout the chickenproduction process including but not limited to breeder houses,hatcheries, and broiler houses, to promote bird growth, such as birdgrowth.

Growing birds within buildings and vertical farms require the usage ofpowered lighting to provide essential light for egg production andanimal growth. These lights often are electrically powered and emitphotons used for biological processes such as ovulation, egg laying,muscle growth and development, mood control, and hunger. Examples ofvarious light or photon sources include, but are not limited to, metalhalide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light,incandescent light and LEDs.

While light is the key component of the egg production in birds, thissystem differs from other historical and even cutting edge lightingtechnology as it is used as the fundamental controller of bird activity.Likewise, while LED technology is a core component of lighting in thepresent disclosure, it is a unique application of LED technology coupledwith other engineering that dramatically expands the potential forreducing costs, increasing output, and enhancing control compared toexisting lighting technology for the commercial production of eggs,breeder hens and broilers for meat.

An embodiment herein includes pulsing individual color spectrums orranges of color spectrums, including blue, green and/or red spectrums,at a frequency, intensity and duty cycle, which can be customized,monitored and optimized for the specific desired response, such as eggproduction, hunger, young bird growth and development as well as thefinishing of broiler birds for meat while minimizing energy used in thesystem. By supplying control over the rates and efficiencies ofmodulated photon energy to the bird, different parts of thephotostimulation of the bird's opsins located in the hypothalamus andthe retina (such as red opsins and green opsins) photo receptors aremaximized allowing for optimal growth or the desired response (such asegg laying) while also allowing for control of a birds response.

Opsins are membrane bound receptors found in the retina and thehypothalamus region of the brain of birds. Opsins mediate a variety offunctions in birds, including egg laying and behavior, through theconversion of photons of light into an electrochemical signal.

Photons are massless, elementary particles with no electric charge.Photons are emitted from a variety of sources such as molecular andnuclear processes, the quantum of light and all other forms ofelectromagnetic radiation. Photon energy can be absorbed by opsins inliving birds, and convert it into an electrochemical signal whichmanipulates a metabolite.

This phenomenon can be seen in the vision opsin chromophore in humans.The absorption of a photon of light results in the photoisomerisation ofthe chromophore from the 11-cis to an all-trans conformation. Thephotoisomerization induces a conformational change in the opsin protein,causing the activation of the phototransduction cascade. The result isthe conversion of rhodopsin into prelumirhodopsin with an all-transchromophore. The opsin remains insensitive to light in the trans form.The change is followed by several rapid shifts in the structure of theopsin and also changes in the relation of the chromophore to the opsin.It is regenerated by the replacement of the all-trans retinal by a newlysynthesized 11-cis-retinal provided from the retinal epithelial cells.This reversible and rapid chemical cycle is responsible for theidentification and reception to color in humans. Similar biochemicalprocesses exist in birds. Phytochromes and pheophytins behave verysimilarly to opsins in that they can be rapidly regulated to switchbetween the cis and trans configurations by dosing with differingwavelengths of light.

The responses of birds to the variations in the length of day and nightinvolve photon absorption molecular changes that closely parallel thoseinvolved in the vision cycle in humans.

Bird responses to specific photon modulation may be monitored dependingupon the desired response. When the desired response is the productionof eggs, the bird may be monitored for the release of luteinizinghormones, a heterodimeric glycoprotein to indicate impending ovulationin female birds. Luteinizing hormones may be monitored via blood orurinary samples. Samples may be taken daily or at various times duringthe day to identify the birds reaction to the photon modulation toensure efficient egg production.

The present disclosure also provides methods and systems for the amountof electric power used in the process of bird egg production, as well asyoung and broiler bird growth and development, to be monitored andreduced, where the amount of energy delivered can be defined bycalculating the total area under the graph of power over time. Thepresent disclosure further provides methods and systems that allow forthe monitoring, reporting and control of the amount of electric powerused to stimulate a desired response in a bird, allowing an end user orenergy provider to identify trends in energy use.

An embodiment of the system of the present disclosure comprises at leastone photon emitter, such as an LED in communication with a photonemission modulation controller, including but not limited to a digitaloutput signal or a solid-state relay. Photon emitters are modulated tosend a pulse of photons, where each individual pulse comprises at leastone color spectrum, wavelength or multiple color spectrums orwavelengths. Each photon pulse is directed toward a bird for a durationof time, such as two milliseconds, with a duration of delay betweenphoton pulses, such as two hundred milliseconds or up to 24 hours.

As used herein “bird” includes warm-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates,including but not limited to, chickens, quail, turkeys, water fowl,ostriches, pheasant, game birds, doves, pigeons and grouse.

As used herein, “duty cycle” is the length of time it takes for a deviceto go through a complete on/off cycle. Duty cycle is the percent of timethat an entity spends in an active state as a fraction of the total timeunder consideration. The term duty cycle is often used pertaining toelectrical devices, such as switching power supplies. In an electricaldevice, a 60% duty cycle means the power is on 60% of the time and off40% of the time. An example duty cycle of the present disclosure mayrange from 0.01% to 90% including all integers in between.

As used herein “frequency” is the number of occurrences of a repeatingevent per unit time and any frequency may be used in the system of thepresent disclosure. Frequency may also refer to a temporal frequency.The repeated period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event,so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure and as will be described infurther detail below, the emission of two or more photon pulses from thegrowth system described herein for a duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle induces a gain efficiency greater than 1 whereGain=Amplitude out/Amplitude in.

FIG. 1 provides a block diagram showing an example of a photonmodulation management system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, a photon emitter106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 is shown over a period of time incommunication with a photon emission modulation controller 104 for thepurpose of modulating the emission of photons to a bird for inducing awide range of desired responses in birds including but not limited toovulation, sexual maturity, mood and hunger. The modulated applicationof photons to a bird by providing photon pulses of one or morefrequencies followed by pulses of one or more other frequencies for aduration along with a delay between pulses, allows for peakstimulation/modulation of a bird's biological components (opsinsreceptors) and biological responses, such as a the pulsing of one ormore specific spectrums of light to induce a specific electrochemicalsignal for the production of a specific metabolite. Further themodulation of photons to a bird allows for the optimization of photonabsorption by opsin receptors without oversaturation of the receptors.As described below, the modulation of the photon pulses increase energyand heat efficiency of current poultry production lighting systems byreducing the overall power draw by the system of the present disclosureas much as 99% or more of the photon source when compared toconventional poultry production lighting systems, such as a 60 watt growlight, thereby reducing the amount of power and cost used to facilitateegg production from a bird. In an example of the energy saving potentialof the system of the present disclosure, the system pulses 49.2 watts ofphotons for two microseconds per 200 microseconds creating an effectivepower consumption of 0.49 watt-hrs/hr on the power payment meter or0.82% of the power in a 60 watt standard incandescent bulb. In addition,because the photon emitter is not continuously emitting photons, theamount of heat produced from the photon emitter will be significantlyreduced, thereby significantly reducing the cost of cooling a facilityto compensate for the increased heat from lighting. The system of thepresent disclosure may be customized based upon bird-specificrequirements for photon intensity, pulse ON duration, pulse OFF (or dutycycle), the light spectrum of the pulse including but not limited towhite, near-red, yellow, green, and blue, orange, far-red, infrared, andultra-violet to encourage optimal ovulation, hunger, mood and sexualdevelopment for selected birds such as chickens, ducks, quail orturkeys.

As shown in FIG. 1, a master logic controller (MLC) 102, such assolid-state circuit with digital output control or a central processingunit (CPU) is in communication with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104 by means of a communication signal 134. The MLC 102provides the system of the present disclosure with input/output of theparameters and the appropriate instructions or the specialized functionsfor the modulation of photons from a photon emitter 106 and 108.

In a further embodiment, the MLC 102 may be hard wired or wireless to anexternal source such as a host, allowing external access to the MLC 102by a host. This allows remote access by a user to monitor the input andoutput of the MLC 102, provide instructions or control to the systemswhile also allowing for remote programming and monitoring of the MLC102.

In a further embodiment, a power measurement or power consumption sensormay be integrated or embedded into the MLC 102 in the form of anintegrated circuit allowing for the measurement and reporting of thepower consumption of the system based on the voltage and the currentdraw of the system of the present disclosure. The power consumption ofthe system can then be communicated either wirelessly or by hardwirefrom the MLC 102 to a host. Data, including power consumption may alsobe sent to an outside receiver such as a database that is not connectedto the system.

The photon emission modulation controller 104 receives commands andinstructions from the MLC 102 including but not limited to theintensity, duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of a photon pulse118 from a photon emitter 106 and 108. The photon emission modulationcontroller 104 may be any device that modulates the quanta and providesthe control and command for the intensity, duty cycle, wavelength bandand frequency of a photon pulse from a photon emitter 106 and 108. Avariety of devices may be used as the photon emission modulationcontroller 104, including but not limited to a solid-state relay (SSR),such as the Magnacraft 70S2 3V solid-state relay from Magnacraft Inc.,an incandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon), Fluorescent (CFL's), highintensity discharge (Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Low-PressureSodium, Mercury Vapor), sunlight, light emitting diodeoptical chopperand a device that induces modulation of a photon pulse. It should beunderstood that this description is applicable to any such system withother types of photon emission modulation controllers, including othermethods to cycle a light or photon source on and off, cycling one ormore colors or spectrums of light at different times, durations andintensities, such as near-red, green, blue and far-red, allowingmultiple pulses of one spectrum before pulsing another spectrum, as willbe understood by one skilled in the art, once they understand theprinciples of the embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to a photon emitter 106. When the photon emissioncontrol signal 136 is sent to the photon emitter 106 goes ON, the photonemitter 106 emits at least one photon pulse 118 where each photon pulsecomprises one color spectrum or multiple color spectrums of light, whichis transmitted to a bird 122. Then based on the instructions from theMLC 102, when the photon emitter control signal 136 sent to the photonemitter 108 goes OFF, the photon emitter 108 will not emit a photonpulse, and therefore no photons are transmitted to a bird 122. As shownin FIG. 1, starting from the left side of FIG. 1, the emission ofphotons 118, such as a pulse of far-red photons, and bird 122 ovulationand egg production 124 is shown over a period of time 120. The exampleof FIG. 1 provides a photon pulse 118, such as far-red, emitted from aphoton emitter 106 for two (2) milliseconds with a duration of delay oftwo hundred (200) milliseconds before a second photon pulse 118 isemitted from the same photon emitter 106 for two milliseconds (pleasenote that FIG. 1 is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted overtime. FIG. 1 is not drawn to scale and the amount of growth by the birdbetween pulses in FIG. 1 is not necessarily accurate).

As will be understood by one skilled in art, in an additionalembodiment, the system as described in FIG. 1 may be completely housedin an individual photon emitter, allowing each individual photon emitterto be self-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logicunit. An example self-sufficient photon emitter may be in the form of aunit that may be connected to a light socket, or light fixtures that maybe suspended above one or more birds and connected to a power source.

The systems as shown in FIG. 1 may also take the form of a master/slavesystem, as will be discussed in FIG. 4, where by example, a masterphoton emitter containing all logic and controls for the emission ofphoton from master photon emitter as well as any additional photonemitters in communication with the master photon emitter.

A variety of power supplies may be used in the present disclosure. Thesesources of power may include but are not limited to battery, convertersfor line power, solar and/or wind power. The intensity of the photonpulse may be static with distinct on/off cycles or the intensity may bechanges of 5% or larger of the quanta of the photon pulse. The intensityof the photon pulse from the photon emitter can be controlled throughthe variance of voltage and/or current from the power supplies anddelivered to the light source. It will also be appreciated by oneskilled in the art as to the support circuitry that will be required forthe system of the present disclosure, including the photon emittercontrol unit and the photon emitters. Further, it will be appreciatedthat the configuration, installation and operation of the requiredcomponents and support circuitry are well known in the art. The programcode, if a program code is utilized, for performing the operationsdisclosed herein will be dependent upon the particular processor andprogramming language utilized in the system of the present disclosure.Consequently, it will be appreciated that the generation of a programcode from the disclosure presented herein would be within the skill ofan ordinary artisan.

FIG. 2 provides a second block diagram showing an example of a photonmodulation management system 200. As shown in FIG. 2 and repeated fromFIG. 1, a photon emitter 106 and 108 is shown over a period of time incommunication with a photon emission modulation controller 104 for thepurpose of modulating individual pulses of photons comprising individualcolor spectrums to a bird, including but not limited to white, green,near-red, blue, yellow orange, far-red, infrared, and ultra-violet colorspectrums, wavelength between 0.1 nm and 1 cm. As will be understood byone skilled in the art, the present disclosure may include colorspectrums of specific, individual wavelengths between 0.1 nm and 1.0 cm,or may include a range or band of wavelengths 0.1 to 200 nm in width,herein “wavelength band.”

The modulation of individual color spectrums of photons to a bird byproviding specific color spectrum pulses for a duration along with adelay between pulses, allows for peak stimulation of a bird's biologicalcomponents and responses, such as a bird's retina opsins andhypothalamus opsins for egg production. Examples of the ability tocontrol specific aspects of a bird's biological components or responsesthrough the pulsing of individual color spectrums, specific colorwavelength or a range of color wavelengths may include but are notlimited to:

-   -   a. egg production through the modulation of pulses of a specific        far-red wavelengths (such as 730 nm, an example wavelength range        may include 710 to 850 nm) for a period of time;    -   b. hunger, growth, sexual development as well as helps to        control the mood of the birds by pulses of blue light, as well        as the regulation of circadian rhythms (an example range may        include with a range of 450 to 495 nm); and    -   c. green light (such as 560 nm) may be used to promote or        stimulate growth, including muscle growth, improve reproduction        as well as egg quality.

The modulation of individual color spectrums, specific wavelength and arange of wavelengths of photons to a bird by providing specific colorspectrum pulses for a duration along with a delay between pulses alsoallows for the control of growth or biological responses, such as mood,growth, ovulation, sexual maturity, and hunger in birds. An example mayinclude one light or through the combination of many lights, cycling thelights on and off to control ovulation and growth in a bird.

As shown in FIG. 2 and repeated from FIG. 1, a master logic controller(MLC) 102 is in communication with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104 by means of a communication signal 134. The MLC 102provides the system of the present disclosure with input/output of theparameters and the appropriate instructions or the specialized functionsfor the modulation of a specific individual color spectrum of photonsfrom a photon emitter 106 and 108.

The photon emission modulation controller 104 receives commands andinstructions from the MLC 102 including but not limited to theintensity, duty cycle, color spectrum and frequency of each specificcolor spectrum photon pulse 202 and 204 or a plurality of pulses of aspecific color spectrum from a photon emitter 106 and 108. The photonemission modulation controller 104 provides the control and command forthe intensity, duty cycle, color spectrum and frequency of each specificcolor spectrum photon pulse 202 and 204 or plurality of pulses from aphoton emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116.

As shown in FIG. 2, based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to a photon emitter 106 and 108. When the photonemission control signal 136 sent to the photon emitter 106 ON, thephoton emitter 106 emits one or more photon pulses of a specific colorspectrum 202 or 204, which is transmitted to a bird 122. Then based onthe instructions from the MLC 102, when the photon emitter controlsignal 136 sent to the photon emitter 108 goes OFF, the photon emitter108 will not emit a photon pulse, and therefore no photons aretransmitted to a bird 122. As shown in FIG. 2, starting from the leftside of FIG. 2, the emission of photons of a specific color spectrum 202(green) and 204 (far-red) and bird 122 ovulation and egg production 124is shown over a period of time 120. The example of FIG. 2 provides aphoton pulse or plurality of pulses of a green color spectrum 202emitted from a photon emitter 106 for two (2) milliseconds, followed bya photon pulse or plurality of pulses of a far-red color spectrum 204for a duration of two (2) milliseconds with a duration of delay of twohundred (200) milliseconds of each pulse before a second photon pulse orplurality of pulses 202 is emitted from the same photon emitter 106 fortwo milliseconds followed by a second photon pulse or plurality ofpulses of a far-red color spectrum 204 for a duration of twomilliseconds from the same photon emitter 114 (please note that FIG. 2is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted over time. FIG. 2 isnot drawn to scale and the amount of growth or egg production by thebird between pulses in FIG. 2 is not necessarily to scale).

The system of the present disclosure as described in FIGS. 1 and 2allows for the manipulation and control of various responses by a birdthrough the cycling of one or more colors or spectrums of light atdifferent times, durations and intensities, such as near-red, green,blue and far-red, allowing single pulses or multiple pulses of onespectrum with a delay before pulsing another spectrum. The pulsing ofindividual color spectrums in unison or individually for a duration witha delay between pulses allows for increased efficiency and speed fromovulation to finishing through control of the bird responses. The systemdescribed herein provides the ability to keep a bird in a particularresponse such as hunger or a specific mood.

By way of example, studies have shown that using the pulse of specificcolor spectrums to a bird, groups of birds may be induced to ovulate. Atthis point protocols may be changed on one group to encourage and allowfor hunger or mood control.

A variety of photon emitters may be used to provide photons, many ofwhich are known in the art. However, an example of a photon emitterappropriate for the present discussion is a LED, which may be packagedwithin an LED array designed to create a desired spectrum of photons.While LEDs are shown in this example, it will be understood by oneskilled in the art that a variety of sources may be used for theemission of photons including but not limited to metal halide light,fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light andLEDs. Please note that if a metal halide light, fluorescent light,high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light is used with the methods,systems and apparatuses described herein, the proper use of these formsof photon emitters would be to modulate and then filter the light tocontrol what wavelength for what duration is passed through.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can apply to LEDs having variousdurations of photon emissions, including durations of photon emissionsof specific color spectrums and intensity. The pulsed photon emissionsof specific color spectrums may be longer or shorter depending on thebird in question, the age of the bird and how the emission will be usedin facilitating biochemical processes for bird growth.

The use of an array of LEDs may be controlled to provide the optimalphoton pulse of one or more color spectrums for specific bird ovulationgrowth such as chickens or turkeys. The user may simply select thephoton pulse intensity, color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle for aparticular type of bird to encourage efficient biological responses inbirds. LED packages can be customized to meet each bird's specificrequirements. By using packaged LED arrays with the customized pulsedphoton emission, as discussed above, embodiments described herein may beused to control light to alter the shell thickness, bird weight, andsexual maturity within the target bird.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters 106,108, 110 and 112 with LED arrays 300. As shown in FIG. 3, a photonemission modulation controller 104 is in communication by means of aplurality of photon emitter control signals 136 with a plurality ofphoton emitters 106, 108, 110 and 112. As further shown in FIG. 3, eachphoton emitter 106, 108, 110 and 112 comprises an array of LEDs 302,304, 306 and 308. Each array of LEDs 302, 304, 306 and 308 and thecircuitry to allow for the array of LEDs to communicate with the photonemission modulation controller 104 are contained in an LED array housing310, 312, 314 and 316.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of LED array is a circle, however as willbe understood by one skilled in the art, the shape of the array may takea variety of forms based upon the needed biological response of thebirds. The shape of the array may include but is not limited to,circular, square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, pentagonal and avariety of other shapes.

The LED array housing 310, 312, 314 and 316 for each photon emitter 106,108, 110 and 112 may be made of a variety of suitable materialsincluding, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoplastic, and othertypes of polymeric materials. Composite materials or other engineeredmaterials may also be used. In some embodiments, the housing may be madeby a plastic injection molding manufacturing process. In someembodiments, the housing may be transparent or semi-transparent and inany color.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters witha master photon emitter in communication and control of one or moreslave photon emitters, 400. As shown in FIG. 4, a master photon emitter402 is in communication by means of a photon control signal 136 with aseries of slave photon emitters 404, 406, and 408. The master photonemitter 402 contains a controller, such as the MLC (102 of FIGS. 1 and2), as well as photon emission modulation controller (shown as 104 FIGS.1 and 2) which controls the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of eachspecific color spectrum photon pulse from an array of LEDs housed withinthe master photon emitter 402 while also allowing the master photonemitter to control the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of eachspecific color spectrum photon pulse from each slave photon emitters404, 406, and 408.

Conversely, each slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408 contains thecircuitry to receive command signals 136 from the master photon emitter402 and the circuitry necessary to emit a pulse of a specific spectrumfrom an array of LEDs (such as near-red, far-red, blue, green or orange)housed within each slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408. For clarity,each slave photon emitter does not contain a controller such as the MLCnor does the slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408 contain a photonemission modulation controller. All commands and controls for the slavephoton emitter 404, 406, and 408 are received from the master photonemitter 402. This master/slave system allows for sharing of a singlepower supply and microcontroller. Master has the power supply and thatpower is also transferred to the slaves. Additionally, the master/slavesystem can be utilized to pulse photons in patterns to help stimulatethe biological response in other birds.

A bus system may be included in MLC of the master photon emitter 402 orin each slave photon emitter 404, 406 and 408 to allow for the specificcontrol by the master photon emitter 402 of each individual slave photonemitter 402, 404 and 408. By way of example, the master photon emitter402 may send a signal 136 to a specific slave photon emitter 404commanding the slave photon emitter 404 to emit a far-red pulse for aspecific duration, while the master photon emitter 402 simultaneouslysends a command signal 136 to a second slave photon emitter 406 to emita green pulse for a specific duration. While this descriptive exampleshows an array, plurality or chain of three slave photon emitters 402,404 and 406 in communication with a master photon emitter 402, it shouldbe understood that this description is applicable to any such systemwith any number of slave photon emitters in communication and under thecontrol of a master photon emitter, as will be understood by one skilledin the art, once they understand the principles of the embodiments.

In a further embodiment, the master photon emitter 402 may be hard wiredor wireless to allow external access to the master photon emitter 402 bya host, allowing remote access to monitor the input and output of themaster photon emitter 402 while also allowing for remote programming ofthe master photon emitter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of a master logic controller incommunication and control of one or more photon emitters, 500. As shownin FIG. 5, a master logic controller 102 is in communication by means ofa photon emission control signal 136 with a series of photon emitters106, 502, 504 and 506 located above four different birds 512, 514, 516or 518. In this example, the master logic controller or MLC 102 (aspreviously discussed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) also contains a photonemission modulation controller 104 (shown discussed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3)which allows the MLC 102 to control the intensity, duty cycle andfrequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse from an array ofLEDs housed within each photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506.

Through the photon emission modulation controller 104, the MLC 102communicates commands and instructions to each photon emitter 106, 502,504 and 506 including but not limited to the intensity, duty cycle andfrequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse 508 and 510 fromeach photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506. The MLC 102 also maintainscontrol of the power supply to the system and control the transfer ofpower to each individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506.

As shown in FIG. 5, based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to each individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and506. Based on the specific instructions sent to each photon emitter 106,502, 504 and 506, individual photon emitters 106 or 506 may pulse one ormore specific color spectrums 508 and 510 to a bird 512, 514, 516 or 518(such as a pulse of both far-red and near-red 508 at various durationsor a pulse of far-red, near-red and blue at various durations 510). Asfurther shown in FIG. 5, based on the instructions from the MLC 102,other individual photon emitters 502 or 504 may not emit a photon pulsetoward a bird 122 for a duration.

The ability of the MLC 102 to control the photon output or emitted fromeach individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506 allows the systemof the present disclosure to modify the photon emission to a bird basedon the specific needs or requirements for a bird. As discussed inassociation with FIG. 2, by way of example, the MLC may be programmed toissue a signal to a specific emitter for modulation of pulses of far-redlight for a period of time followed by pulses of blue light incombination with near-red light for the control of a biologicalresponses in birds such as ovulation/egg laying and mood/hunger.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, all commands and controls for eachphoton emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506 are received externally from theMLC 102. However, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, thelogic and hardware associated with the MLC 102 and photon emissionmodulation controller 104 may also be housed within each individualphoton emitter, allowing each individual photon emitter to beself-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logic unit.

In a further embodiment, the MLC 102 may be hard wired or wireless,allowing external access to the MLC 102 by a user. This allows remoteaccess by a user to monitor the input and output of the MLC 102 whilealso allowing for remote programming of the MLC 102.

FIG. 6 provides an example of a further embodiment, showing the photonmodulation system of the present disclosure where one or more sensorsare used to monitor a bird's environmental conditions as well as thebird's responses 600. As shown in FIG. 6, one or more sensors 602, 604,606 and 608 are associated with each bird 618, 620, 622, and 624 inorder to monitor various conditions associated with the bird 618, 620,622, and 624. The conditions associated with the bird or bird which maybe monitored include but are not limited to, humidity, air temperature,volume, movement, O₂, CO₂, CO, pH, and weight. As will be understood byone skilled in the art, the sensors may include but are not limited to:temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, microphones, gassensors, cameras, and scales.

The sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 monitor one or more conditionsassociated with the bird or bird 618, 620, 622, and 624 and thentransmit the data 610, 612, 614 or 616 to the MLC 102. Transferring thedata from the one or more sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 to the MLC 102can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wirelessly or hardwired. As will be understood by one skilled in art, a variety ofcommunication systems may be used for the delivery of sensor-derivedinformation from the bird 618, 620, 622, and 624 to the a MLC 102.

The data from the one or more sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 is analyzedby the MLC 102. Based on the information from the sensors, the MLC 102,through the photon emission modulation controller 104, the MLC 102 isable to adjust the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of each specificcolor spectrum photon pulse 608 and 610 of each individual photonemitter 106, 602, 604 and 606, or to adjust the intensity, duty cycleand frequency of a group of photon emitters based on the needs of theindividual birds 618, 620, 622, and 624 associated with a specificsensor 602, 604, 606 and 608 or the needs of the birds as a whole. Anexample may include adjusting a pulse to comprise both blue and far-red608 at various durations or adjusting duration of a pulse of far-red,green and blue 610.

In additional embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may alsoinclude a watering system, feeding systems, environmental as well ashealth system (not shown in FIG. 6) in communication and under thecontrol of the MLC 102 or a separate logic controller. Based oninformation from the sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 associated with eachbird or bird, the MLC 102 is able to communicate with a watering system,feeding system, heating and cooling systems, medication systems basedupon the needs of the birds. Data, including power can be sent to anoutside receiver such as a database that is not connected to the system.

FIG. 7 provides an example of one embodiment of an array of LEDs incommunication with a series of solid-state relays or SSRs 700. As shownin FIG. 7 and repeated from FIG. 1, a MLC 102 is in communication bymeans of a communication signal 134 with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104. The photon emission modulation controller 104 of thisexample contains three SSRs. The MLC 102 outputs a signal to control theSSRs. The first SSR controls an array of near-red LEDs 702, the secondSSR controls an array of far-red LEDs 704 and the third SSR to controlsan array of blue LEDs 706. Each SSR 702, 704 and 706 is in communicationwith an array of LEDs, 714, 716 and 718 by means of a photon emissionsignal 136. As shown in FIG. 7, the near-red SSR 702 sends a photonemission signal 136 to initiate a photon pulse of the near-red LEDS 714comprising a near-red voltage 708 to an array of near-red LEDs 714. Thenear-red voltage 708 is then transmitted from the array of near-red LEDs714 to a series of resistors 720, 742, 738, such as a 68 ohm resistor,with each resistor 720, 742 and 738 connected to a ground 744.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the far-red SSR 704 sends a photon emissionsignal 136 to initiate a photon pulse of far-red LEDs comprising afar-red voltage 710 to an array of red LEDs 718. The red voltage 710 isthen transmitted from the red LED array 718 and a series of resistors724, 728, 732 and 734, such as 390 ohm resistor with each resistor 724,728, 732 and 734 connected to a ground 744. FIG. 7 also shows the blueSSR 706 sending a photon emission signal 136 to initiate a photon pulseof blue LEDs comprising a blue voltage 712 to an array of blue LEDs 716.The blue voltage 712 is then transmitted from the array of blue LEDs 716and transmitted to a series of resistors 722, 726, 730, 736 and 740,such as a 150 ohm resistor, with each resistor 722, 726, 730, 736 and740 connected to a ground 744.

The system of the present disclosure may be successfully employed with awide variety of birds, chickens, ducks and other water fowl, turkeys,emu, ostrich, quail, pheasant, upland game birds, pigeon, parrots andother exotic bird species.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example the duration of a far-red photonpulse versus the duration of the delay between photon pulses for thecontrolled stimulation of ovulation and egg laying in birds. As shown inFIG. 10 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7, an example of the cyclingof photon pulses of one color spectrum is provided where a far-redphoton pulse is emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph afar-red spectrum is pulsed first followed by a delay. Next, a secondpulse comprising of far-red spectrum is again pulsed followed by adelay. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely or until the birdovulation and egg production under and receiving the photon pulses hasreached its desired production amount. While in this descriptive exampleof a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of one color spectrum,it should be understood that this description is applicable to any suchsystem with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, asvarious combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but notlimited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green blue, yellow, orange andultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emissionstandards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples ofthe photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual colorspectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is not limitedto, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between.The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durationsbetween pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrumcombinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours,and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may beprogrammed to allow for variations of photon emission as well asvariations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extendeddark cycles.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example the duration of a blue spectrumphoton pulse versus the duration of the delay between photon pulses forthe stimulation of a specific behavior such hunger or calming of thebird. As shown in FIG. 11 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7, anexample of the cycling of photon pulses of one color spectrum isprovided where a blue photon pulse is emitted from a photon emitter. Asshown in the graph a blue spectrum is pulsed first followed by a delay.Next, a second pulse comprising of blue spectrum is again pulsedfollowed by a delay. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely or untilthe bird's mood is at the desired area or the bird has eaten a desiredabout of food. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse setcomprising offset pulsing of one color spectrum, it should be understoodthat this description is applicable to any such system with otheremissions of photon pulses over a period of time, as variouscombinations of pulses of color spectrums including but not limited tonear-red, far-red, infra-red, green blue, yellow, orange and ultravioletexcluding the standard analog frequency lighting emission standards ofthe United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photonpulse duration between pulses of each individual color spectrum or colorspectrum combinations may include but is not limited to, 0.01microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between. Thesystem of the present disclosure also allows for other durations betweenpulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrum combinationsincluding but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours, and allintegers in between. The system of the present disclosure may beprogrammed to allow for variations of photon emission as well asvariations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extendeddark cycles.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of three colorspectrums. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but serves as anexample embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum, frequencyand duty cycle that may be utilized to stimulate ovulation, hunger andto reset the circadian rhythm of the bird. As shown in FIG. 12 andpreviously described in FIGS. 1-7, another example of the cycling ofphoton pulses of various color spectrum of the present disclosure isprovided where photon pulses of three color spectrums are emitted from aphoton emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrum is pulsed firstfollowed by a delay and then a dual pulse of a green spectrum and a bluespectrum together is then dosed followed by a delay creating a first setof photon pulses. Next, a second pulse of blue is initiated followed bya delay followed by individual pulses of far-red and green. This cyclemay be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird response has beeninitiated under and receiving the photon pulses. As discussed above,this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation, hunger, behavioror to reset the bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptiveexample of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsing of three colorspectrum, it should be understood that this description is applicable toany such system with other emissions of photon pulses over a period oftime, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrums including butnot limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orangeand ultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lightingemission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz.Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individualcolor spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is notlimited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers inbetween. The system of the present disclosure also allows for otherdurations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or colorspectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24hours, and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosuremay be programmed to allow for variations of photon emission as well asvariations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extendeddark cycles.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of two colorspectrums, far-red and green. The time scale on this chart is not toscale but serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation ofcolor spectrum, frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized tostimulate ovulation and to reset the circadian rhythm of the bird. Asshown in FIG. 13 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7, another exampleof the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of the presentdisclosure is provided where photon pulses of two color spectrums areemitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrumis pulsed first followed by a delay and then a pulse of a green spectrumand then followed by a delay. Next, a second pulse of green is initiatedfollowed by a delay followed by an individual pulse of far-red. Thiscycle may be repeated indefinitely or until the desired bird responsehas been initiated under and receiving the photon pulses. As discussedabove, this example may also be used to stimulate ovulation or to resetthe bird's circadian rhythm. While in this descriptive example of aphoton pulse set comprising offset pulsing of two color spectrum, itshould be understood that this description is applicable to any suchsystem with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, asvarious combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but notlimited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue, yellow, orange andultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emissionstandards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples ofthe photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual colorspectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is not limitedto, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and all integers in between.The system of the present disclosure also allows for other durationsbetween pulses of each individual color spectrum or color spectrumcombinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24 hours,and all integers in between. The system of the present disclosure may beprogrammed to allow for variations of photon emission as well asvariations of photon emission delay to allow for events such as extendeddark cycles.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of two colorspectrums, blue and green. The time scale on this chart is not to scalebut serves as an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of colorspectrum, frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized to stimulatehunger or a specific mood and to reset the circadian rhythm of the bird.As shown in FIG. 14 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7, anotherexample of the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of thepresent disclosure is provided where photon pulses of two colorspectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graphpulses of blue and green are pulsed first followed by a delay. Next, asecond pulse of blue is initiated followed by a delay followed by anindividual pulse of green. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely oruntil the desired bird response has been initiated under and receivingthe photon pulses. As discussed above, this example may also be used tostimulate hunger, mood or to reset the birds circadian rhythm. While inthis descriptive example of a photon pulse set comprising offset pulsingof two color spectrum, it should be understood that this description isapplicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses overa period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrumsincluding but not limited to near-red, far-red, infra-red, green, blue,yellow, orange and ultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequencylighting emission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of eachindividual color spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include butis not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5000 milliseconds and allintegers in between. The system of the present disclosure also allowsfor other durations between pulses of each individual color spectrum orcolor spectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecondto 24 hours, and all integers in between. The system of the presentdisclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emissionas well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events suchas extended dark cycles.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the method of modulation of individualcolor spectrums pulsed for bird growth 800. As shown in FIG. 8, in step802, the master logic controller receives instructions regarding eachindividual color spectrum to be pulsed, the duration of each pulse ofeach color spectrum, the combination of colors to be pulsed and durationof delay between each color spectrum pulse. Instructions and informationsent to the master logic controller may relate to the photon pulseduration of each color to be pulsed, photon pulse delay, intensity,frequency, duty cycle, bird type, state of maturity of the bird and thetype of egg production as well as young and broiler bird growth andbehavior that is desired to be induced. In step 804, the master logiccontroller sends instructions to the photon emission modulationcontroller the regarding each color spectrum to be pulsed, the durationof each pulse of each color spectrum, combination of colors pulse andduration of delay between different color spectrums. In step 806, thephoton emission modulation controller sends at least one signal to oneor more photon emitters capable of emitting pulses of one or moreindividual color spectrums toward a bird, such as green LEDs, far-redLEDs, blue LEDs and orange LEDs. In step 808, one or more photonemitters emit one or more photon pulses of individual color spectrumsdirected to a bird.

FIG. 9 provides an additional embodiment of the present disclosure,showing a flowing diagram of the stimulation of a desired response of abird based on information from bird sensors 900. As shown in step 902, abird sensor monitors one or more conditions associated with theenvironment of a bird. The conditions to be monitored by include but isnot limited to the air temperature, humidity, the birds bodytemperature, bird weight, sound, movement of the bird or birds,infrared, O₂, CO₂ and CO. In step 904, the bird sensor sends dataregarding the environmental or physical conditions associated with abird to the MLC. The MLC then analyzes the data sent from the birdsensor or the analysis may be done by a third party software programthat is remote to the system. In step 906, based on the information fromthe bird sensor, the MLC sends instructions to change an embodiment ofthe bird's environment such as air temperature or humidity. In step 908,the environmental system initiates an event to one or more birds basedon the analysis of the data from the bird sensor. As will be understoodby one skilled in the art, the adjustment of the event can be on a microlevel, such as an adjustment to the environment of one specific bird orthe adjustment can be on a macro level such as an entire growth chamberor operation. In step 910, based on the information from the bird sensorthe MLC sends instructions to a feeding system, nutrient system ornutrient source, such as a drip, nutrient film or nutrient injectionsystem, regarding the timing and/or concentration of the nutrient to bedistributed to a bird during a nutrient event. In step 912, nutrientsystem initiates a nutrient event where nutrients are directed to a birdbased on the analysis of the data from the bird sensor. As will beunderstood by one skilled in the art, the adjustment of the nutrientevent can be on a micro level, such as an adjustment to the nutrients toone specific bird or the adjustment can be on a macro level such as anentire growth chamber or operation. In step 914, based on the analysisof the data from the bird sensor, the MLC sends instructions to thephoton emission modulation controller adjusting the duration, intensity,color spectrum and/or duty cycle of each photon pulse between differentpulses of color spectrums to a specific bird or to a group of birds. Instep 916, the photon emission modulation controller sends a signal toone or more photon emitters adjusting the duration, intensity, colorspectrum and/or duty cycle of each photon pulse between different pulsesof color spectrums to a specific bird or to a group of birds. In step918, based on the signal received from the photon emission modulationcontroller, one or more photon emitters emit one or more photon pulsesof individual color spectrums directed to a bird or a group of birds.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include other alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for inducing a desired response in abird comprising: at least one photon emitter in communication with atleast one photon emission modulation controller; wherein said at leastone photon emitter is configured to emit at least one first photonpulse, wherein said at least one first photon pulse has a duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein said duration of saidat least one first photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5000milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delay between said photonpulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said duty cycleof said first photon pulse is between 0.01% and 90% of constant emissionof said at least one photon emitter; wherein said at least one photonemitter is configured to emit at least one additional photon pulse,wherein said at least one additional photon pulse has a duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle, wherein said duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is different from the said duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse;wherein said at least one photon emission modulation controller controlssaid emission of photons from said photon emitter; wherein said durationof said at least one additional photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 5000 milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delaybetween said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours;wherein said duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse isbetween 0.01% and 90% of constant emission of said at least one photonemitter; a master logic controller in communication with said at leastone photon emission modulation controller, wherein said master logiccontroller sends commands to said at least one photon emissionmodulation controller controlling the duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse and said atleast one additional photon pulse from said at least one photon emitter;and wherein said master logic controller is in communication with anenvironmental system; and wherein said at least one first photon pulseand said at least one additional photon pulse induce a desired responsein a bird; wherein said desired response from said bird is chosen fromovulation, fertility, egg production or laying, hunger, growth,reduction of stress or calming, improving egg quality, socialization,bird growth, bird development, sexual maturity, improving reproductivequality, facilitation of nutrient uptake, photochemical responses, andregulation of circadian rhythm.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein saidat least one photon emitter is configured to emit a plurality of atleast one first photon pulses, wherein said plurality of said at leastone first photon pulses are of a duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle; and wherein said at least one additional photon pulse isemitted after the emission of said plurality of said first photonpulses, wherein said at least one additional photon pulse has aduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle that is differentfrom the duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said atleast one first photon pulse.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said atleast one photon emitter is configured to emit at least one additionalplurality of said at least one first photon pulses after the emission ofsaid at least one additional photon pulse, wherein said plurality ofsaid at least one first photon pulses are of a duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle; and wherein at least one additional saidat least one additional photon pulse is emitted after the emission ofsaid at least one additional plurality of said first photon pulses,wherein said at least one additional photon pulse has a duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle that is different from theduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said systemcomprises a plurality of photon emitters.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein said at least one photon emitter is selected from the group ofincandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon), Fluorescent (CFL's), highintensity discharge (Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Low-PressureSodium, Mercury Vapor), and light emitting diode.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein said master logic controller is in communication with a powerconsumption sensor that monitors the power usage of said at least onephoton emitter and wherein said power consumption sensor is incommunication with a host that is external to said master logiccontroller.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one photonemission modulation controller is selected from the group comprising asolid-state relay, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor,a field-effect transistor, a zener diode, an optical chopper and adevice that induces modulation of a photon pulse.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one first photon pulseis chosen from the group comprising near-red, far-red, green, blue,infra-red, yellow, orange, and ultra-violet.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein said wavelength band of said at least one additional photonpulse is chosen from the group comprising near-red, far-red, green,blue, infra-red, yellow, orange and ultra-violet.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one first photonpulse is between 0.1 nm and 1 cm.
 11. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid wavelength band of said at least one additional photon pulse has awavelength between 0.1 nm and 1 cm.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one sensor monitoring at least one conditionassociated with said bird, wherein said at least one conditionassociated with said bird is an environmental conditional associatedwith said bird or a physiological condition associated with said bird;wherein said at least one sensor is operably linked to a firstcommunication device, wherein said first communication device sends datafrom said at least one sensor to said master logic controller.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein said master logic controller adjusts saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse and said duration, intensity, wavelength band andduty cycle from said at least one additional photon pulse based uponsaid data from said at least one sensor.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein said environmental system controls heating, cooling and humidityto said bird.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said master logiccontroller adjusts the timing of an environmental event to saidenvironmental system to said bird based upon said data from said atleast one sensor, wherein said environmental event is chosen from achange in temperature and humidity.
 16. The system of claim 14, whereinsaid master logic controller adjusts the duration of an environmentalevent to said bird based upon said data from said at least one sensor.17. The system of claim 13, further comprising said master logiccontroller in communication with a nutrient source, wherein saidnutrient source provides nutrient events to said bird.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein said master logic controller adjusts the timing of anutrient event to said bird based upon said data from said at least onesensor.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein said master logic controlleradjusts the duration of a nutrient event to said bird based upon saiddata from said at least one sensor.
 20. The system of claim 12, whereinsaid at least one sensor is selected from the group comprising atemperature sensor, humidity sensor, movement sensor, weight sensor,sound sensor, a gas sensor, a near-infrared sensor, a camera, andcombinations thereof.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein said bird isselected from the group comprising: chickens, ducks and other waterfowl, turkeys, emu, ostrich, quail, pheasant, upland game birds, pigeon,parrots and other exotic bird species.
 22. The system of claim 1,wherein said at least one first photon pulse has a change in lightquantum of at least 5%.
 23. The system of claim 1, wherein said at leastone additional photon pulse has a change in light quantum of at least5%.
 24. The system of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said at leastone first photon pulse ranges between 0.01% to 10%.
 25. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one additional photonpulse ranges between 0.1% to 10%.
 26. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse ranges between10.01% to 15%.
 27. The system of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle ofsaid at least one additional photon pulse ranges between 10.1% to 15%.28. The system of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse ranges between 15.01% to 20%.
 29. The system of claim1, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulseranges between 15.01% to 20%.
 30. The system of claim 1, wherein saidduty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse ranges between 20.01%to 30%.
 31. The system of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said atleast one additional photon pulse ranges between 20.1% to 30%.
 32. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one firstphoton pulse ranges between 30.01% to 40%.
 33. The system of claim 1,wherein said duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulseranges between 30.1% to 40%.
 34. The system of claim 1, wherein saidduty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse ranges between 40.01%to 90%.
 35. The system of claim 1, wherein said duty cycle of said atleast one additional photon pulse ranges between 40.01% to 90%.
 36. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band andduty cycle of said first photon pulse and said duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one additional photonpulse induce a gain efficiency greater than
 1. 37. A method for inducinga desired response in a bird wherein said method comprises: providing atleast one photon emitter; providing at least one photon emissionmodulation controller in communication with said at least one photonemitter; communicating a command from said at least one photon emissionmodulation controller to said at least one photon emitter; emitting atleast one first photon pulse from said at least one photon emittertoward said bird, wherein said at least one first photon pulse has aduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein saidduration of said at least one first photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 5000 milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delaybetween said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours;wherein said duty cycle of said first photon pulse is between 0.01% and90% of constant emission of said at least one photon emitter; andemitting at least one additional photon pulse from said at least onephoton emitter toward said bird, wherein said at least one additionalphoton pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle;wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of saidat least one additional photon pulse is different from the saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least onefirst photon pulse; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5000milliseconds and wherein the duration of the delay between said photonpulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said duty cycleof said additional photon pulse is between 0.01% to 90% of constantemission of said at least one photon emitter; providing a master logiccontroller in communication with said at least one photon emissionmodulation controller, wherein said master logic controller sendscommands to said at least one photon emission modulation controllercontrolling the duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle ofsaid at least one first photon pulse and said at least one additionalphoton pulse from said at least one photon emitter; and wherein saidmaster logic controller is in communication with an environmentalsystem; and wherein a desired response is induced in a bird; whereinsaid desired response from said bird is chosen from ovulation,fertility, egg production or laying, hunger, growth, reduction of stressor calming, improving egg quality, socialization, bird growth, birddevelopment, sexual maturity, improving reproductive quality,facilitation of nutrient uptake, photochemical responses, and regulationof circadian rhythm.
 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising:emitting at least one additional at least one first photon pulse fromsaid at least one photon emitter toward said bird after the emission ofsaid at least one additional photon pulse, wherein said at least onefirst photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and dutycycle; and emitting at least one additional said at least one additionalphoton pulse from said at least one photon emitter toward said bird,wherein said at least one additional photon pulse has a duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein said duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is different from the said duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse.39. The method of claim 37, further comprising: emitting a plurality ofsaid first photon pulses from said at least one photon emitters, whereinsaid plurality of said first photon pulses has a duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle; and emitting at least one additionalphoton pulse after the emission of said plurality of said first photonpulses, wherein said at least one additional photon pulse has aduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle that is differentfrom the duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of saidplurality of said first photon pulses.
 40. The method of claim 37,further comprising: emitting at least one additional plurality of saidfirst photon pulses from said at least one photon emitters after theemission of said at least one additional photon pulse, wherein saidplurality of said first photon pulses has a duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle; and emitting at least one additionalsaid at least one additional photon pulse after emitting said secondplurality of said first photon pulses, wherein said at least oneadditional photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band andduty cycle that is different from the duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse.
 41. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said at least one photon emitter is selectedfrom the group consisting of incandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon),Fluorescent (CFL's), high intensity discharge (Metal Halide,High-Pressure Sodium, Low-Pressure Sodium, Mercury Vapor), and lightemitting diode.
 42. The method claim 37, further comprising: providing apower consumption sensor in communication with said master logiccontroller; monitoring the power usage of said at least one photonemitter; communicating said power consumption from said powerconsumption sensor to a host external to the master logic controller.43. The method of claim 37, wherein said at least one photon emissionmodulation controller is selected from the group consisting of asolid-state relay, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor,a field-effect transistor, a zener diode, an optical chopper and adevice that induces modulation of a photon pulse.
 44. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one first photonpulse is chosen from the group consisting of near-red, far-red, green,blue, infra-red, yellow, orange, and ultra-violet.
 45. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one additionalphoton pulse is chosen from the group consisting of near-red, far-red,green, blue, infra-red, yellow, orange and ultra-violet.
 46. The methodof claim 37, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one firstphoton pulse has a wavelength between 0.1 nm and 1 cm.
 47. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said wavelength band of said at least one additionalphoton pulse has a wavelength between 0.1 nm and 1 cm.
 48. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and dutycycle of said at least one first photon pulse is the same as saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse.
 49. The method of claim 37, further comprisingproviding at least one sensor; monitoring at least one conditionassociated with said bird, wherein said at least one conditionassociated with said bird is an environmental condition associated withsaid bird or a physiological condition associated with said bird; andcommunicating data regarding said condition from said at least onesensor to said master logic controller.
 50. The method of claim 49,further comprising adjusting said duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse and saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle from said at leastone additional photon pulse from said at least one photon emitter basedupon said data from said at least one sensor.
 51. The method of claim49, wherein said environmental system controls heating, cooling andhumidity to said bird.
 52. The method of claim 51, wherein said masterlogic controller adjusts the timing of an environmental event to saidenvironmental system to said bird based upon said data from said atleast one sensor, wherein said environmental event is chosen from achange in temperature and humidity.
 53. The method of claim 51, whereinsaid master logic controller adjusts the duration of an environmentalevent to said bird based upon said data from said at least one sensor.54. The method of claim 49, further comprising providing a nutrientsource in communication with said master logic controller, wherein saidnutrient source provides nutrient events to said bird.
 55. The method ofclaim 54, further comprising: initiating a nutrient event from saidnutrient source to said bird based upon said data from said at least onesensor.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein said master logic controllerdetermines the timing of said nutrient event based upon said data fromsaid at least one sensor.
 57. The method of claim 55, wherein saidmaster logic controller determines the amount of nutrients directedtoward said bird during said nutrient event based upon said data fromsaid at least one sensor.
 58. The method of claim 49, wherein said atleast one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperaturesensor, humidity sensor, movement sensor, weight sensor, sound sensor, agas sensor, a near-infrared sensor, a camera, and combinations thereof.59. The method of claim 37, wherein said bird is selected from the groupcomprising: chickens, ducks and other water fowl, turkeys, emu, ostrich,quail, pheasant, upland game birds, pigeon, parrots and other exoticbird species.
 60. The method of claim 37, wherein all external light isobstructed from said bird.
 61. The method of claim 37, wherein saidemission of said at least one first photon pulse and said emission ofsaid at least one additional photon pulse is a supplemental source ofphotons.
 62. The method of claim 37, wherein said at least one firstphoton pulse has a change in light quantum of at least 5%.
 63. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said at least one additional photon pulsehas a change in light quantum of at least 5%.
 64. The method of claim37, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulseranges between 0.01% to 10%.
 65. The method of claim 37, wherein saidduty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse ranges between0.1% to 10%.
 66. The method of claim 37, wherein said duty cycle of saidat least one first photon pulse ranges between 10.01% to 15%.
 67. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse ranges between 10.1% to 15%.
 68. The method ofclaim 37, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one first photonpulse ranges between 15.01% to 20%.
 69. The method of claim 37, whereinsaid duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse rangesbetween 15.01% to 20%.
 70. The method of claim 37, wherein said dutycycle of said at least one first photon pulse ranges between 20.01% to30%.
 71. The method of claim 37, wherein said duty cycle of said atleast one additional photon pulse ranges between 20.1% to 30%.
 72. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said duty cycle of said at least one firstphoton pulse ranges between 30.01% to 40%.
 73. The method of claim 37,wherein said duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulseranges between 30.1% to 40%.
 74. The method of claim 37, wherein saidduty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse ranges between 40.01%to 90%.
 75. The method of claim 37, wherein said duty cycle of said atleast one additional photon pulse ranges between 40.1% to 90%.
 76. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said response is a non-naturally stimulatedresponse.
 77. The method of claim 37, wherein said duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulseis specifically tuned to a desired response from said bird.
 78. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse isspecifically tuned to a desired response from said bird.
 79. The methodof claim 37, wherein said method has a power savings of at least 50%.80. The method of claim 37, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle of said first photon pulse and said duration,intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse induce a gain efficiency greater than 1.